Visiting Seattle

I will be visiting Seattle in May and Id appreciate some suggestions on where to go and what to do while there. Looks like we will staying near Pike Place. What are some of your guys favourite bars, breweries, resturants in Seattle. Ive been looking at the beer fly guide, but its kind of daunting. Also, feel free to suggest fun stuff to do while not drinking haha. Thanks very much.

If you're not intimidated by public transportation, i.e., the bus, you can take the #5 bus from close to the market and head north. Along the #5 line, you are within easy walking distance of Brouwer's, Fremont Brewing, Uber Tavern, Duck Island Saloon, 74th St. Ale House, and Naked City.

If you're not intimidated by public transportation, i.e., the bus, you can take the #5 bus from close to the market and head north. Along the #5 line, you are within easy walking distance of Brouwer's, Fremont Brewing, Uber Tavern, Duck Island Saloon, 74th St. Ale House, and Naked City.

Have fun. Cheers.

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Definitely take advantage of the metro when in Seattle. It's free in certain areas downtown too.

Beer Trader

I agree... but fares are up and they're still cutting routes. Buses are more crowded than ever during rush hour (my routes are usually standing-room only, generally the most unpleasant part of my day). I guess they're pulling out all the stops to save money. A sign of the times I guess.

Beer Trader

An absolute must hit is Big Time, in the U-District. This is one of my favorite beer hikes when I go down. Take the bus to the Fremont neighborhood. Start at Fremont Brewings tasting room. Brouwers Cafe is next in line. Keep walking, there are plenty of bars along the way, you won't go thirsty, until you hit Hale's Brewery. From there hit up Maritime Pacifics Jolly Roger Tap Room. Next is a short walk to Ballard Ave and a whole strip of bars, the Noble Fir and the new Urban Family are worth checking out. The new Hilliards Brewery is in the area as well. Take the bus back downtown. That's only about 3-4 miles of walking, just enough to put space between beers. Enjoy your visit!

I agree... but fares are up and they're still cutting routes. Buses are more crowded than ever during rush hour (my routes are usually standing-room only, generally the most unpleasant part of my day). I guess they're pulling out all the stops to save money. A sign of the times I guess.

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Meanwhile they're all set on the west coast version of the big dig eh?

Public transportation or walking tourability is a big plus to me when sampling a city's beer/wine.

Beer Trader

Beer Trader

A brand new place getting rave reviews http://www.pineboxbar.com/
The Pine Box - yup, used to be a mortuary, is a must stop.
Bruce Lee's service apparently was held there.
An easy walk from the Pike Place area.
Also, for bottles, check out Pear Market - say hello to Phil, the beer buyer.

Beer Trader

A brand new place getting rave reviews http://www.pineboxbar.com/
The Pine Box - yup, used to be a mortuary, is a must stop.
Bruce Lee's service apparently was held there.
An easy walk from the Pike Place area.
Also, for bottles, check out Pear Market - say hello to Phil, the beer buyer.

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I'll second this, though I haven't been yet. A couple of friends went after Caskfest and loved the place. Beer selection was very good, as was service. Their pizza wasn't what they had hoped for, but it's always tough judging when a restaurant is brand new, it often takes a few weeks for things to settle in. I look forward to checking it out soon.

An absolute must hit is Big Time, in the U-District. This is one of my favorite beer hikes when I go down. Take the bus to the Fremont neighborhood. Start at Fremont Brewings tasting room. Brouwers Cafe is next in line. Keep walking, there are plenty of bars along the way, you won't go thirsty, until you hit Hale's Brewery. From there hit up Maritime Pacifics Jolly Roger Tap Room. Next is a short walk to Ballard Ave and a whole strip of bars, the Noble Fir and the new Urban Family are worth checking out. The new Hilliards Brewery is in the area as well. Take the bus back downtown. That's only about 3-4 miles of walking, just enough to put space between beers. Enjoy your visit!

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This is the best beer hike in the city that I can think of, I love all those places, and I never really noticed how perfect they're all laid out for a nice beer/walking day. I'm going to do this on my next day off!!!

This is the best beer hike in the city that I can think of, I love all those places, and I never really noticed how perfect they're all laid out for a nice beer/walking day. I'm going to do this on my next day off!!!

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It's a nice beer walk. Unfortunately IMO, Hale's and Maritime provide mediocre offerings and just OK food. However, with Brouwer's and Noble Fir as bookends, it's a pretty damn good day. Plus, depending upon when you take the walk, you could end your night at the Tractor Tavern for good music and a small, but decent taplist. They almost always have FW Union Jack on tap.

Beer Trader

It's a nice beer walk. Unfortunately IMO, Hale's and Maritime provide mediocre offerings and just OK food. However, with Brouwer's and Noble Fir as bookends, it's a pretty damn good day. Plus, depending upon when you take the walk, you could end your night at the Tractor Tavern for good music and a small, but decent taplist. They almost always have FW Union Jack on tap.

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I have friends in bands that play The Tractor, Conor Byrne and The Sunset, so I make this walk a few times a year. I agree that Hales isn't anything special, but it's worth a stop if your in the area. I've only ate at MP once, had the Double Sliders, I thought they were good. Nothing really outstanding, but not terrible either. The place I'm always wanting to check out is that little place, Mikes Chili Parlor. Anybody been, any good?

Beer Trader

The place I'm always wanting to check out is that little place, Mikes Chili Parlor. Anybody been, any good?

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I went to Mike's probably more than 20 years ago. I remember thinking the chili was really good (and worth the hype). Those were the days before craft exploded but think I had a Redhook. Don't know what they have on tap but seems like a BMC kind of place.